Roll the Dice

It can be hard to know where to start with LA, so we’ve got 20 recommendations to get you there. Simply roll the dice and see where you should head next.

Take a tour of the Church of Scientology. Oh wait no, actually. We don’t recommend this.
Check out the Griffith Observatory. It’s historic, has some of the best views of LA, and as a bonus if you’re feeling athletic, is the starting point for a medium-difficulty hike to up behind the Hollywood sign.
Make a day out of the Arts District Downtown. It’s got some of the best food around (Bestia, Bavel, Guerrilla Tacos, Damian), plenty of art to see, and fun times to be had at places like Two Bit Circus.
Say hi to the Wilson fam in Culver City! Culver City, dubbed “the Heart of Screenland,” has become quite the place to walk around, with lots of local eateries, bars, the Kirk Douglas Theatre, even a cute new bookstore. Get your local on.
Go to the beach! You’re in LA after all. The Venice boardwalk is always entertaining, but for a more relaxing vibe, head north to Malibu or south to Manhattan Beach.
Family friendly pro-tip: if you’re bringing the young kids along, catch at show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. It’s been around for the better part of the century and is absolutely iconic LA. Bonus: the puppets interact with the kids who are seated “criss cross applesauce” in the front row.
Do a taco crawl. The beer crawl is overrated, and if you know LA, you know our taco trucks are legendary. Leo’s Tacos, Mariscos Jaliscos, and Tacos Arizas need to be on the list – we leave the rest up to you.
See some comedy! Largo on La Cienega has the best comedians in the world performing every night – from John Mulaney to Judd Apatow to Tig Notaro. Check out their calendar as they constantly update it with new shows.
Museum hop! Some LA local favorites include the new Academy Museum in mid-Wilshire, the truly odd Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City, and the modern art museum The Broad in Downtown LA. If you can snag a reservation, Colleen would like to personally endorse the Weisman Foundation, a truly unique private collection (where Colleen got her first museum internship!).
Embrace your European side and take a walk along the Venice Canals in Venice. Maybe you’ll find yourself on Abbot Kinney afterwards, in which case you can’t miss Gjelina for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Go on a hike. Whether it’s the Pacific Palisades or the ever-so-LA Runyon Canyon trail, LA has supreme hiking within basically 20 minutes of wherever you are.
Do the touristy things. Go to Hollywood Boulevard and see the stars and all the handprints at Graumann’s. Take a walk along Rodeo Drive. Go to Universal Studios or Disneyland.
See an old movie at the New Beverly, one of LA’s best revival house theatres that’s partially owned by Quentin Tarantino.
Go vintage shopping on Melrose. Pro tip: the La Cienega to Fairfax section of Melrose is stocked with high-end boutiques, but Fairfax to La Brea has vintage galore. Go on a Sunday to also walk through the Melrose Trading Post flea market.
Take a walk along Echo Park lake. Maybe rent one of the swan boats if you’re feeling like getting out on the water and paddleboating your way through LA.
Rent a bike at Spoke Cafe in Frogtown and take a ride along the LA river.
Rent a kayak or boat by the hour in Marina Del Rey and ride through the docks. You may even see a sunbathing sea lion or two along the way.
Go on a donut crawl. Donuts are big in LA, and not just the fancy ones from Blue Star, Sidecar, DK’s, and Donut Friend (though these should be on your list). Hit up a California Donut for some tasty pastries.
Come hungry to Guelaguetza, LA’s Oaxacan food landmark with the best mole in the city (maybe even the state?). It’s a can’t miss. Opt for the mole flight.
Head over to Grand Central Market in Downtown LA if you’re hungry and sample some of LA’s best. It’s a great mix of the old and the new. While you’re there, head across the street to the iconic Bradbury Building (where Blade Runner was filmed).